Statement by H.E. Hon. Mwai Kibaki on the Rule of Law at National and International Level

STATEMENT BY H.E. HON. MWAI KIBAKI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE
FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, DURING THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH LEVEL PLENARY SESSION
ON THE RULE OF LAW AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

24th SEPTEMBER 2012, NEW YORK

Your Excellency, President of the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly,
Your Excellency, Secretary General of the United Nations, Excellencies, Ladies and
Gentlemen,

Mr. President, I congratulate you on your well deserved election to the Presidency
of the Sixty Seventh Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I am confident
that your vast diplomatic experience will be instrumental in steering our deliberations.

Excellencies,

Kenya supports an international order that is grounded on the rule of law, as envisaged
in the Charter of the United Nations. We are convinced that the rule of law is the
foundation stone for democratic governance, is vital in confronting the global challenges
of our time, and is necessary for promoting sustainable development.

Mr. President,

Since independence, Kenya has progressively promoted the rule of law and respect
for democratic constitutionality. Our democratic enterprise over the last 49 years
has been to strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights and advance our economic
and social development.

Promoting the rule of law, remains as important today as it was at our independence.
Over time however, we are proud to say that rule of law has not only further secured
our democracy, but it has also allowed my country to promote entrepreneurship, free
trade, and the fight against poverty.

Mr. President,

In the past two years, my government has worked strenuously to implement our new
Constitution that Kenyans adopted in the year 2010. We have implemented far reaching
legal, institutional and administrative reforms which have further strengthened
the rule of law in Kenya. Furthermore, these reforms have spurred increased activity
across all sectors of the economy. This has increased investment and encouraged
greater involvement of the Kenyan people in the development and governance of our
country.

Mr. President,

Kenya’s national commitment to the promotion of the rule of law and democratic governance
transcends our national boundaries. We are committed, as a member of the international
community, to play our part in promoting the rule of law throughout the world and
especially in our region.

In this regard, Mr. President, it is my sincere hope that the international community
will work with us especially in countries that have suffered a breakdown of law
and order. In conclusion, Mr. President, I believe that effective international
relations must be based on the equal and just application of the rule of law among
nations, both large and small. It is also important that the rule of law is pursued
towards the attainment of greater prosperity, the promotion of equality and greater
justice for all.